Music Lessons in Pasadena, CA

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a musician and comedian, passionate about teaching the next batch of artists to be creative and daring in their art. I love helping students learn new skills as well as introducing them to new music in order to help them cultivate their personal style and artistic voice. When I was first learning guitar, I was frustrated about not knowing how to take the ideas in my head and convey them through my guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I began teaching quite early in my own guitar playing experience. Once I had the basics down, my friends would ask me to come to their house to show them how to play a few chords. It wasn't until close to 5 years ago when those friends kindly asked me to start teaching their children. It was then when I realized how much I loved teaching, so much in fact that I resigned from a cushy 9-5 office job to pursue teaching full time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I use different book series, depending on the age and level of the student. For young students, I start with the little Mozarts book series, lesson books, and workbooks. For older students, I will either use Bastien or Alfreds lesson and workbooks. This is mixed with a classical and folk book. We also work on theory, and making sure we know our intervals. Students also learn about key signatures and recognizing sharps and flats. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

In addition to private studio teaching, both in-person and remote for 6 years, my teaching experience comes from being as an Adjunct Faculty in violin and viola for non-music majors at New York University, the orchestral viola coach at Mannes Prep Precollege Division, director of Chamber Music and violin/viola faculty at Thurnauer School of Music. My students at younger ages have passed auditions of prestigious music pre-college programs as well as school-region youth orchestra programs; college-age students have won scholarships at their colleges for music minors and double-majors. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I tailor lesson plans based on your musical background, if any, and your goals. I think of lessons as collaborative, working together to figure out what works best for you. I studied academically, and I also grew up playing in punk bands in basements, so I can offer advice and exercises from multiple perspectives. I use both approaches to music fluidly in my life and I think the way people relate to music is totally personal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have been a professional musician since I ws 14 years old. I enjoying accompanying and have played many musical theatre productions, recitals, church services, and choral concerts. I have taught privately and in public schools since the late 1970's. My greatest thrill is working with students who are eager to learn, willing to practice at their craft, and willing to laugh and have a good time. Sharing musical talent is so easy and so rewarding. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion

I've found the most successful drummers can read well and play all styles. For beginning students, I generally introduce 'Syncopation' by Ted Reed along with 'Stick Control,' the PASIC 40 Rudiments, 'Alfred's Drum Method' for drum set, and technical exercises. For more advanced students, I like to use books like Rick Latham's 'Advanced Funk Studies,' David Garibaldi's 'Future Sounds,' 'Portaits in Rhythm' by Anthony Cirone, and 'The Art of Bop Drumming' by John Riley. Read More